Category Archives: Crochet

Last week, a new pattern was added to the DeConstructed Cowl family! When I released the original pattern, some of you felt it was missing a little something – a little crochet.

Blacker Yarns was thrilled to support our new idea. I asked the hippest crocheter I know to design this new set of DeConstructed mini scarves. It all came together and we had a Beth Strauss & KnitKnackAAD collaboration!

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I’ve been working hard and long to bring some fun designs to my favorite group of people – my fellow DIY-ers.

All of these designs are near and dear to my heart. I’ve got something for knitters, a little something for crocheters, and two of my three GiftTags work for any kind of handmade item! With a checklist of washing instructions on the back, you just can’t go wrong! Make sure to grab them on Etsy in time for the holidays.

These designs are modern typographic plays combined with hand illustration. Everything is printed with my good friends at HD Design & Print right here in Chicago. They run old school on a gorgeous offset press, but with a twist of inventive design.

This is just the start. Think big with me – these designs are screaming project bags, notebooks, and surely a coffee mug!

This was a happy accident. I was knitting with one of my favorite groups and I thought my friend put on a parody – I honestly heard “I’m all about that Lace.” I then got looks of confusion followed by looks of amazement.

This is definitely a favorite because it combines two of my favorite activities. SSK [Sip, Sip, knit] – increase the fun. This card is perfect to send to a friend who hosted your last boozy knit night. I’m seeing this foil stamped gold for the cover of a grid-lined notebook.

Of course, I had to have a little something for my crocheting friends. There are three fun designs for you, including the very cool “It’s not knit, IT’S CROCHET” GiftTags.

Come out and support the shop so we can start making more fun things to promote our pride and love of crafting! Contact me on Etsy for any special quantities, sets, or designs!

A very dear friend of mine, Beth Strauss, is very passionate about crochet. It’s how she keeps connected to her cherished great aunt who was very involved in her family’s history. When Beth came to work at Knitche in Downers Grove, she only knew how to crochet, but was soon broken down and she learned to knit. She is now well versed in both crafts, but that’s not what we’re here to talk about.

This past summer, Chicago held its annual Yarn Crawl. Knitche was about to only feature a knit pattern for the event until our beloved Beth insisted on designing a crochet pattern. Featuring one of our new favorite yarns, Quince & Co.Osprey, Beth created the Rolling Waves shawl. Rolling Waves is decked to the nines with modern striping play and a trendy handkerchief fit.

When it came to sharing Rolling Waves with the World, Beth came to me for a clean and clear layout. Using a breakdown of the visual pattern and hand lettering, we made her pattern sing. I was so happy to help Beth release her first pattern and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!

This is one of my favorite pieces from the vault. I designed this while living in Bushwick Brooklyn, NY.

I’ve always admired a man in a clean button-down and classy tie. I wanted to create a neck piece that was hip, fun, but still reserved and, well, dapper. Using a smaller yarn and gauge helped achieve that goal. To give an interesting texture, I used a series of stitches over a 3 row repeat.

Perfect for the professional in your life. Stay classy, World.

Two of my lovely Brooklyn loftmates entertained my request to photograph them wearing my creations. They chose to channel JCrew for inspiration while we played on our rooftop.

This is a simple pattern. Even though I learned to crochet in high school, I hardly ever do it! I chose to crochet this design because it gives a slightly thicker fabric and for a tie, you want a sturdy finish so it stays put.

This pattern will be free until 5pm Friday, August 28th to attract a pool of testers.